Karnataka DCM D.K. Shivakumar and MLA Munirathna face off at ‘Walk with Bengaluru’ event

Chaos erupted at JP Park in North Bengaluru on Sunday (October 12, 2025) during Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s “Walk with Bengaluru” campaign when Rajarajeshwari Nagar BJP MLA Munirathna, dressed in an RSS uniform, gatecrashed the event and criticised Mr. Shivakumar for not inviting the local MLA or MP.

After walking for nearly two hours in JP Park, Mr. Shivakumar was about to begin his public grievance programme when he noticed Mr. Munirathna in the crowd and called him on stage. Mr. Munirathna then went up, grabbed the microphone, and launched a tirade against Mr. Shivakumar and the Greater Bengaluru Authority commissioner for failing to invite elected representatives or include their photos in the event banners.

Chaos unfolds

As the situation turned into a political confrontation, several of Mr. Munirathna’s supporters began shouting slogans against Mr. Shivakumar, sparking further chaos. Police soon intervened and escorted Mr. Munirathna out of the park. In the melee, a black cap he was wearing as part of the RSS uniform fell off.

“They are trying to get me killed. They either want me to resign as MLA or see me dead. They have disrespected the RSS by removing my cap,” Mr. Munirathna alleged as police escorted him out of the park. Refusing to leave, he sat in protest outside the park along with his supporters.

RR Nagar MLA Munirathna stages a protest at JP Park in Bengaluru on October 12, 2025.
| Photo Credit:
Sudhakara Jain

Not a government event: DKS

Meanwhile, Mr. Shivakumar clarified that the initiative was not an official government event, and therefore, no political leaders were invited. He explained that “Walk with Bengaluru” was meant to connect with citizens and understand ground realities. “He (Munirathna) might be mentally affected to behave this way in a public event,” Mr. Shivakumar remarked, instructing officials to continue the programme.

After the event concluded, Mr. Munirathna’s supporters gathered at the park’s gate, shouting slogans against Mr. Shivakumar and branding him an “RSS hater” as the Deputy Chief Minister left the venue.

Later, Mr. Munirathna insisted that the event was a government function and accused both the civic commissioner and the Congress of excluding him.